An Arizona man has been charged with attempted second-degree murder after allegedly stabbing his wife 24 times during a domestic dispute, telling police he wanted to “hurt her” and “stop her from talking”.
Nathaniel Scott Gotham, 32, was arrested on Saturday after officers responded to reports of a stabbing at an apartment complex along East University Drive in Mesa at about 4.30pm local time.
According to the Mesa Police Department, officers arrived to find an adult woman suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was identified as Gotham’s wife.
Police described the incident as isolated, adding there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Court documents cited by local media said the victim sustained injuries to her back, head, neck and face, as well as defensive wounds to her hands while trying to fend off the attack.
Investigators alleged Gotham admitted he attacked his wife because he wanted to hurt her and make her stop talking. He also reportedly told officers that he had “snapped” during the incident.
According to police reports cited by local media, Gotham allegedly told his wife of about 14 years that she had “wasted the best years of my life” and that he had “ended up with the wrong woman” before launching the attack.
Police also claimed Gotham admitted to previous incidents of domestic violence, including choking his wife during an argument several years ago.
The victim was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries but has since been listed in stable condition. Authorities said her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Gotham has been booked on one count of attempted second-degree murder involving domestic violence, a Class 2 felony under Arizona law.
His bond has been set at US$500,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on July 17.
The investigation remains ongoing.
